RAF Merlins train for Afghanistan

Night training is part of the crews' training routine

British Merlin helicopter crews have started four months of intense training in the United States ahead of their deployment to Afghanistan.

The Merlins, from RAF Benson in Oxfordshire, will increase helicopter support in Afghanistan by 25%.

The exercise in San Diego will train crews for the "hot and high" conditions and constant threats they will face on a daily basis.

The Merlin Helicopter Force is expected to be deployed at the end of the year.

Temperatures at the Naval Air Facility El Centro (Nafec) in San Diego can reach 50C and rarely drop below 35C at night.

The high temperatures means the environment allows the Merlin to operate to the limit of its capabilities.

The effect of training in this unique location will be to increase the confidence and ability of the crews RAF Sqn Ldr Dave Morris

RAF Flt Sgt John Stone, a Merlin crewman on the training, development and standards flight, said: "To train effectively for survival aspects in theatre we need to be operating with all the same equipment that we would have on operations.

"From a tactics point of view, I believe that the combination of live firing ranges, to practice self-defence, and representative terrain have enabled us to put together a comprehensive and realistic package of pre-deployment training."

RAF Sqn Ldr Dave Morris, Officer Commanding B Flight, 78 Squadron, said: "The environmental conditions are representative of Afghanistan.

"The effect of training in this unique location will be to increase the confidence and ability of the crews to a level where they are ready to deploy."